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FORMER Isle of Wight resident and world-renowned seismologist, John Milne, will be immortalised in new artwork.

'Earthquake' Milne lived in Shide from 1895 until his death in 1913 and is widely credited as revolutionising the study of earthquakes by inventing a new type of seismograph — called the horizontal pendulum seismograph — while he worked in Japan.

A new piece of artwork, which will consist of three enamel panels, is being commissioned at a cost of £8,000, to be put on the outside wall on the corner of Newport's Little London Car Park, opposite Quay Arts, in the autumn.

The project will be advertised to artists and a panel will shortlist three who will then work-up proposed designs.

In the summer, these three designs will be put to public vote.

The most popular will be produced on enamel at
Island firm AJ Wells and Sons and the successful artist will receive a
£2500 commissioning fee.

As well as his world-famous seismology work, John Milne was also a keen photographer and some of his works can be found at Carisbrooke Castle's museum as well as be viewed online at www.historicimages.co.uk.

Following his death, his remains were buried at St Paul's Church in Newport.

The artwork is being paid for through external funding and has the backing of Hursts, which owns the wall.

Artists have until 5pm on Friday, May 18, to submit their designs. After this, a panel will shortlist three designs which will then go to a public vote in the summer.